'I Need Some Time': Bindi Irwin Announces She's Taking A Social Media Break After Revealing Heartbreaking Rift With Grandfather
New mom Bindi Irwin announced she is taking some time for herself after revealing heartbreaking abuse she claims she has endured from her estranged grandfather, Bob, in a father's day post praising her late dad, Steve Irwin, and husband Chandler Powell.
"Hi guys, Just a note to say thank you for your support. I'm taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family," Irwin, who gave birth to daughter Grace Warrior in March wrote via Instagram. "I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal). You can keep up with our adventures by following my family and Australia Zoo on social media. 💙."
The 23-year-old animal activist continued: "Recently, I’ve had many people reaching out to share their own stories of working hard to protect their mental health. Thank you for sharing and speaking your truth. To my friends who are dealing with depression, anxiety and other battles every day - I see you. These issues are very real and deserve to be discussed and addressed. Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times. Remember there are helplines available. Mental health deserves more understanding and support instead of being dismissed or patronised. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness."
Irwin's social media break comes one day after the Crikey! It’s the Irwins star celebrated the father figures in her life, while also revealing that her grandfather is not a presence in her or her daughter's life.
"Appreciation post for the three most incredible fathers in my life," Irwin captioned a series of family portraits via Instagram. "My dad, my husband and my father-in-law.”
- Terri Irwin Shares Cryptic Message About 'Avoiding Certain People' After Daughter Bindi Exposed Feud With Estranged Grandfather Bob
- Bindi Irwin Reappears On Social Media Via Husband Chandler Powell's Instagram Following Feud With Grandfather
- Bindi Irwin Sings To 'Adorable' Daughter Grace Warrior In Husband Chandler's Instagram Video As Rift With Grandfather Heats Up
"My dad taught me the importance of strength when standing up for what I believe in and to have empathy for all living beings," she gushed about her late dad who tragically died in 2006 on Sunday, June 20. "My husband amazes me every day with his kind and steadfast heart; his love for our daughter is infinite. My father-in-law works tirelessly for his family and is always there with a word of encouragement. These extraordinary men inspire me and I love them so very much."
However, when a fan asked about why she excluded her grandfather from the post, she responded, saying the elder Irwin has "shown no interest" in spending time with her or her family.
"He has returned gifts I've sent him after he opened them, he has ignored my correspondence and from the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me," Irwin wrote in a since-deleted post, OK! reported. "He has never said a single kind word to me personally. It breaks my heart but it is not healthy to engage in an abusive relationship."
Irwin admitted her mother, Terri, still writes to her grandfather and sends him Christmas gifts, but that she receives no response. The shocking admission from Irwin also reveals that her family has financially supported the grandfather since 1992.
"I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain," she added.
